John R
May 14, 2002Jack Aker was a great closer- Winning FIREMAN OF THE YEAR IN 1966 for the A's. He managed in the Mets minor league system for many years winning Manager of the Year many times. As a player and a person Jack Aker represented every team he played for in the best light. He now teaches children the sport of baseball and lectures and teaches children of his native tribe.

Joe Figliola
August 23, 2002When the Mets acquired Jack, it was like their first trade in about six months. At the time, the Mets, for some reason, were absolutely dormant in terms of upgrading their roster, and I think that's why they sputtered in the 1974 season (the only trade I know of in the winter of 1973-74 was Jim McAndrew to the Padres for a minor leaguer).

I remember that Topps put out its Traded baseball cards, and there was not one Met card in it. So when Jack came to the Mets, I took his Cubs card and wroted "TRADED" in block letters the way Topps had it.

I knew of him from the Cubs and thought he was a pretty good reliever. Given the fact that no Mets reliever had more than FOUR (count 'em, four) saves that year, I'm surprised that they didn't let Jack pick up the slack.

Jonathan Stern
March 28, 2005He was in the Braves' bullpen on April 8, 1974, fighting with other Braves pitchers (including Gary Gentry) for the chance to catch Hank Aaron's career number 715th home run. In the end, Tom House won the fight, after the ball eluded Dodger outfielder Bill Buckner, who had climbed the wall.

Edward
December 28, 2005If I am correct Jack threw over the top maybe even a little 3/4's; his pitch was a hard sinker. He was fireman of the year in 1966 when with the A's. He also had some great years with the Yankees and the Cubs. Today he still teachs youth baseball. He remains a fine example of the honesty and integrity of our baseball heroes.

Feat Fan
September 16, 2007The Chief was splendid in '66 with the A's, a lowly team that featured Jumbo Nash who went 12-1 after a June call up. Aker pitched for both New York and Chicago teams but as many others, was well past his prime by the time he came to Queens.

Pete Hamner
September 16, 2007Jack managed me in Lynchburg, Va in 1978. He was a quiet, proud man, who held his players respect. He was a student of the game. Standing on the top step of the dugout....watching the pitcher's every move.

I'll always remember the bus pulling into Lynchburg at 4am concluding another road trip. Stopping at the light....Jack getting off and slowly heading up the hill, carrying his sleeping 5 year old son.

Mrs. Spunky
September 16, 2008There was never a better manager for the fans than Jack Aker. Jack was scrappy and when he would get ejected, the fans got their money's worth. He once left a game carrying off third base. Another time he threw all the bats and balls he could find onto the field. At the end of every season in Lynchburg the fans would pass the hat and buy Jack durable goods. One year we got him a washer and dryer. One of our best fans attended every home AND away game with his disabled older father and their little dog. When the dog died, Jack and the 1979 team presented a box to the father and son, and out came a puppy from the SPCA like the original dog. There was not a dry eye to be had in that stadium. That is what baseball (at least in the minors) is all about! We love Jack Aker and miss his managing to this day!

david lozano
September 19, 2008I had the privilege of playing for Jack in 1976 and 1978 for the LYNCHBURG METS. Truly a player's manager and I have the utmost respect for him. He had a wonderful family. Last I heard he was teaching baseball on an Indian reservation in New Mexico. Great character. Good baseball man.